AIDO Network International Concludes Drug-Free World Campaign in Teso, Calls for Greater Community Action

By Peterson Hiirya.

The Chairperson of the Advisory Council for AIDO Network International, Princess Ulrike Pohlman Achom, Chairperson of the AIDO Council., has described the recently concluded Drug-Free World Campaign in the Teso Sub-region as a major success, saying the initiative has significantly expanded its reach and strengthened community efforts to combat drug abuse among young people.

Speaking in an interview with Skika Daily News at the Toto Royal Palace in Serere, Princess Achom said this year’s campaign exceeded expectations by reaching more schools and communities than the previous year.

“It was very successful. We basically doubled our production compared to last year. We visited many schools and met dedicated headteachers and other community leaders. I am very satisfied with the results,” she said.

According to Princess Achom, the campaign has been warmly received by schools and communities, with many families sharing personal experiences of the devastating effects of drug addiction. She noted that the educational materials distributed during the campaign are helping communities understand how to prevent substance abuse and support affected families.

“This work is making a real difference. People are grateful to receive practical information that helps them address drug abuse in their homes and communities,” she added.

Now in its second year in the Teso Sub-region, the Drug-Free World Campaign has seen growing support from schools. Princess Achom said many schools have established Drug-Free World Clubs, allowing students to become ambassadors for healthy, drug-free lifestyles.

“Headteachers consistently tell us that drug abuse is a serious challenge. The Drug-Free World prevention program gives them practical tools they can start using immediately,” she explained.

Looking ahead, Princess Achom said future campaigns will focus on improving efficiency by deploying additional outreach teams, providing more volunteer training, and strengthening organizational capacity to reach even more schools across the region.

Beyond schools, she emphasized that the campaign will continue engaging young people through churches, sports activities, and community organizations. During this year’s campaign, three football tournaments were organized to attract youth participation while partnerships with Rotary Clubs in Soroti and Ngora helped extend the campaign’s reach.

“The media also has a vital role in creating awareness. Through our partnerships and the Drug-Free World website, everyone can access free educational materials regardless of their background,” she said.

Although Princess Achom and her husband are returning to Germany, she confirmed that a trained local team will continue monitoring schools over the next three months. The team will assess progress, provide additional educational resources, and strengthen Drug-Free World clubs established during the campaign.

Schools with well-established clubs will also mentor neighboring schools and extend awareness activities into surrounding communities and trading centers.

Princess Achom said follow-up visits to schools that participated in last year’s campaign—including Serere Secondary School, St. Aloysius Secondary School, Gold School, and Kamod Secondary School—showed encouraging progress, with active Drug-Free World clubs now supporting similar initiatives in other schools.

Reflecting on the campaign’s broader vision, Princess Achom expressed hope that the movement would continue expanding beyond Teso.

“My vision is to see a drug-free Teso, followed by a drug-free Eastern Uganda, and ultimately a drug-free Uganda. I also hope this initiative spreads to neighboring countries including Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

The Drug-Free World Campaign aims to educate young people and communities about the dangers of drug abuse through awareness programs, educational materials, school clubs, sports outreach, and community partnerships, with organizers describing prevention as the most effective approach to addressing substance abuse.